I understand that. But there is no reason you have to tell the hospital you have insurance is there?
I believe you’d have to check with your insurance policy regarding that question and how it applies towards your high-end deductible, as there maybe a hidden contractual conflict in there. Plus I do believe under 0bamacare most hospitals will be asking for your insurance and if you claim none I am sure some helpful social worker will come visit you to sign you up. LOL...
They can look it up. All electronically cross-referenced now and the information is usually included on the referral from your PP. When you wake up from anesthesia they will know who your insurer is. If you are brought into the hospital unconscious they will get your ID from your wallet and find it that way.
However, once in a while you can still use that strategy like the other day when I paid cash for an Rx at a different pharmacy because it would have cost more at my regular pharmacy under the insurance plan.